Scarborough woman helps raise more than £82,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

One committed supporter is 57-year-old Tina Boden, from Flixton, who has championed the charity’s work for more than a decade, helping to raise more than £82,000.

Looking ahead to 2026, Tina is encouraging people across Yorkshire to join her, and thousands of supporters, in helping to save lives in the region and beyond.

Tina lives just outside Scarborough and has proudly called the Yorkshire coast her home since she was 11.

A businesswoman for nearly four decades, she dedicates much of her time helping grow Yorkshire businesses and supporting women in midlife with business, life and body confidence through her coaching programme.

Alongside her professional work, Tina is a passionate voice for pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire.

She said: “Lending a voice and raising awareness about the importance of cancer research can be just as important as raising money.

“In today’s economic climate, people want to understand the impact of a charity before they donate or fundraise.

“Building awareness and having conversations about how cancer research in Yorkshire saves lives is vital for raising funds.”

Tina’s involvement with Yorkshire Cancer Research began in 2013 when she was a trustee for another local cancer charity called Ellie’s Fund – Brain Tumour Trust.

Both charities joined forces with the University of Leeds and other Yorkshire-based organisations to support research into brain tumours.

Tina said: “What drew me in about Yorkshire Cancer Research was how it put the needs of people in our county first. Yorkshire is so diverse - from cities to dales and coastline - and that’s why it needs its own cancer charity. The charity’s work reflects the breadth of communities here and funds research that addresses different cancer issues in different areas.”

Over the years, Tina has supported pioneering research through many fundraising events and challenges. In 2013, she organised a seven-seater bike ride with other local charities and a year later, helped catering students at Selby College raise £15,000 through the launch of a cookbook. More recently, she embarked on challenge to walk 256 miles across Yorkshire, raising £900 along the way.

She said: “When I turned 50, I wanted to embrace some new challenges and loved getting out into communities for fundraising events. Last year, at 56, I made the bold decision to enter the United Kingdom Galaxy pageant and became Mrs North Yorkshire Galaxy 2024/25. I was placed in the Top 10 of the Mrs Galaxy UK finalists, it was a proud moment and a chance to spread the word about the work of local charities, including research Yorkshire Cancer Research funds. It’s reminded me how important it is to step out of our comfort zone and seize the day, because we never known when health issues might arise.”

Tina’s passion for supporting cancer research in Yorkshire grew even stronger after losing her close friend, Mandy, in December 2021. Mandy, from Huddersfield, sadly passed away aged 53 after she was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in 10 years. She was a passionate fundraiser who became well known across West Yorkshire for the #BeMoreMandy campaign, organising fashion shows and events to raise funds for Yorkshire charities.

Tina said: “Mandy inspires me to this day. She taught me to step out on stage, embrace challenges and never accept limitations. She was passionate about making a difference to other people, even during her end-of-life care. Shortly before she passed away, I helped her bring a group of people together to make sure we would continue her work.”

Tina also draws hope from positive experiences, including her friend Claire, who discovered the life-changing benefits of exercise while recovering from breast cancer treatment in 2024.

Claire is one of more than 2,000 people in Yorkshire who have taken part in Active Together, a research-backed cancer exercise treatment service, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, that helps people prepare for and recover from their cancer treatment.

Tina said: “Seeing the difference Active Together made to Claire reinforced my commitment to the charity’s work. It enabled her to rebuild her strength and confidence after treatment, making a huge difference to her quality of life. Cancer can be a very lonely place, but Active Together provides an uplifting and supportive space, and it’s proven to improve people’s physical and mental health. Knowing Yorkshire Cancer Research is doing this work motivates me to help however I can.”

As people look to make resolutions for 2026, Tina is encouraging others to help Yorkshire Cancer Research find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

She concluded: “As we step into a new year, I’d encourage everyone to learn about the incredible research happening here in Yorkshire and play a part in its progress. Whether it’s fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every action counts towards the charity’s mission to save lives in our region.”

Become a life-saver in 2026 and help fund pioneering research in Yorkshire: Events & Fundraising - Yorkshire Cancer Research